One of few undergraduate programs of its kind nationwide, the major at the University of South Carolina offers you the chance to work with outstanding faculty members who are ranked 10th in the nation in research productivity. You will learn important skills including reading, writing, critical thinking and the ability to understand and communicate in one or more foreign languages.

During your senior year, you will write a thesis, which will allow you to synthesize the work you've done throughout the degree. As a comparative literature major, you can expect lively classroom discussion built around the close reading of literary texts and the larger questions that arise from reading literature.

The Comparative Literature Program, an interdisciplinary program in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, focuses on the teaching of foreign languages, their associated literatures and global culture. Students learn from native speakers, benefit from innovative Web-based programs where they interact directly with their peers in other countries and study with professors who have written the books they use in courses.

Careers

A major in comparative literature can prepare you for careers in:

  • government agencies
  • education
  • social and health services
  • import and export businesses
  • international news media
  • immigration services